The announced retirement of the Jefferson City Public Schools' superintendent has been characterized by some school board members as an opportunity.
It is that, but it also is a challenge.
Brian Mitchell, 44, said last week he will conclude his six-year tenure as superintendent at the end of this school year to pursue a business venture.
Let us first acknowledge the Jefferson City area benefits greatly from a quality public school district. Let us also commend Mitchell for serving as a "tireless advocate" who seeks "continuous improvement," to borrow the description of Doug Whitehead, the school board's vice president.
The district, however, recently has faced some highly visible dilemmas.
Among them is voter rejection of a bond issue and tax levy increase to build and operate a replacement high school. Around the beginning of the school year, former educators and patrons complained publicly about undisciplined students, demoralized teachers - including significant resignations and retirements by veteran educators - and a disconnect between teachers and administrators. Those complaints were followed by the resignation of the high school principal.
Mitchell will remain throughout the school year and has pledged "there will be no reduction of my efforts."
That's encouraging, but now is the time for school board members to step up - to listen and to grasp the basis of public perception, to understand the concerns and problems, and to establish policies that will pave the way for a smooth transition.
This school year presents an opportunity only if school board members are active, not idle.
In this forum on Aug. 17, we wrote: "An undercurrent of discontent about student discipline, teacher morale and other issues has festered for several years, after first being raised in 2008 and studied then by a special committee that issued a 14-page report recommending some changes."
We wrote then and we repeat: "We believe this conversation needs to happen. And we believe if the focus remains on identifying problems and forging solutions, improved operations and communications in the public schools will result."
School board members cannot always discuss specific student discipline or personnel matters. But they can make themselves available - individually or collectively - at public forums, district functions and individual meetings of parent-teacher organizations.
For the sake of our students, everyone - board members, administrators, teachers, patrons and parents - must listen, learn, heal divisions and commit to promote excellence in education.
Our school district will flourish if we seize the opportunity and accept the challenge.